Story perspectives

ICE Arrests Surge in Texas Amid Policy Changes

2/19/2026

Center

Trump's ICE Arrests

ICE arrests in South Central Texas reached over 11,600 in the first nine months of U.S. President Donald Trump's second term.
Arrests of Venezuelans and Cubans increased.
The share of arrestees with criminal convictions fell from 51% to 39%.
Detainer requests rose 33%, including more for individuals with no pending charges.
By 2026 county sheriffs will train deputies as Texas mandates compliance with ICE detainers.

Right

Trump's Crime Initiative

U.S. President Donald Trump launched the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force in August 2025, reporting over 10,000 arrests and more than 1,000 illegal firearms recovered.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi praised the effort, noting murders fell 68% and violent crime declined 31%.
The task force includes arrests for homicide, narcotics, and gang-related offenses.
Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, condemn federalizing D.C. police as an abuse of power.

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Trump's ICE Arrests

ICE arrests in South Central Texas reached over 11,600 in the first nine months of U.S. President Donald Trump's second term.
Arrests of Venezuelans and Cubans increased.
The share of arrestees with criminal convictions fell from 51% to 39%.
Detainer requests rose 33%, including more for individuals with no pending charges.
By 2026 county sheriffs will train deputies as Texas mandates compliance with ICE detainers.

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